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Bob Ross, the president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) released a statement saying: “Allowing the non-flying public to go through security at the Pittsburgh International Airport for the sole purpose of shopping is a terrible precedent and an ill-conceived decision.

“Flight attendants are the last line of defence on an aircraft and as first responders, we know this move by TSA is a bad idea that needs to be reversed.

“Aviation security relies on a layered approach where if terrorists breach a layer, second and third layers come into play to protect us. Letting our guard down in Pittsburgh or any other airport for the benefit of retailers is not the right approach to airline safety and security.”

However, the airport doesn’t think it will cause any issues with safety.

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Fri, November 4, 2016

Extreme airports: The scariest runways in the world

Princess Juliana Airport, St.Maarten, Caribbean - This runway is so short that pilots have to make their final descent 100 feet above sunbathers on the beach. Large jet plane will no longer land at this airport but smaller plans will still use the runway

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The airport in Pennsylvania is allowing non-fliers through for shopping and dining

Christina Cassotis, the CEO of Allegheny County Airport Authority, told Fox News: “We do not believe that this poses any additional safety threats.

“It’s like just having more airline passengers going through because they go through the same vetting process.”

This raises concerns as it will also increase waiting times and queues in an already overcrowded security control.

However, Cassotis also explains their solution, stating: “If the line gets too long, we’re going to pull the non-ticketed passengers.”

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The airport change could also increase queues and waiting times

It’s not the only way airports are changing the way in which passengers are travelling.

From biometric scanners to mobile passports, technology improving the future of travel.